Humboldt County, Nevada

File:Santa Rosa Range, NV 2008.jpg, Humboldt National Forest.]]

The Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone tribes have lived in Humboldt County for over 12,000 years.{{cite web |title=People of the Humboldt |url=https://shpo.nv.gov/nevadas-historical-markers/historical-markers/a-home-of-early-man#:~:text=Archaeologists%20have%20concluded%20that%20over,the%20valley%20supported%20extensive%20wetlands. |website=Nevada State Historic Preservation Office |access-date=April 12, 2025}}

Humboldt County is the oldest county in Nevada, created by the Utah Territorial Legislature in 1856. It was also one of Nevada's original nine counties created in 1861. The county is named after the Humboldt River, which was named by John C. Frémont after Alexander von Humboldt, a German naturalist, traveler and statesman.{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n162 163] | access-date=January 1, 2016}} Humboldt never saw the places that bear his name. Unionville was the first county seat in 1861 until the mining boom died there and it was moved to Winnemucca on the transcontinental railroad line in 1873. {{cn|date=July 2024}}

The county was the site of an arrest in 2000 that led to the U.S. Supreme Court decision Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial District Court of Nevada in 2004.

Humboldt County is referenced in Brandon Flowers' 2015 song "Digging Up The Heart", in which the protagonist meets "Christie, queen of Humboldt County".{{cite web|url=http://www.directlyrics.com/brandon-flowers-diggin-up-the-heart-lyrics.html |title=Brandon Flowers - Diggin' Up The Heart Lyrics |publisher=Directlyrics.com |access-date=January 1, 2016}}

File:2012-10-14 14 Winnemucca Sand Dunes, north of Winnemucca in Nevada.jpg, north of Winnemucca]]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of {{convert|9658|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|9641|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|17|sqmi}} (0.2%) is water.{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_32.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 20, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files}} It is Nevada's fourth-largest county by area.

The Santa Rosa Range runs through eastern Humboldt County. The highest point in the county, {{convert|9,731|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=on}} Granite Peak, is in the range.{{cite peakbagger |pid=3394 |name=Granite Peak, Nevada |access-date=October 11, 2014}} The most topographically prominent mountain in Humboldt County is unofficially known as Dan Dobbins Peak and is in the remote Jackson Mountains.

• Harney County, Oregon - northwest
• Malheur County, Oregon - north
• Owyhee County, Idaho - northeast/Mountain Time Border
• Elko County - east
• Lander County - southeast
• Pershing County - south
• Washoe County - west

• Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (part)
• Humboldt National Forest (part)
• Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (part)

The county includes land that is held by Indian reservations.

{{Excerpt|Fort_McDermitt_Paiute_and_Shoshone_Tribe|Reservation|paragraphs=1-2}}

{{Excerpt|Winnemucca_Indian_Colony_of_Nevada|Reservation}}

{{US Census population

|1860= 40

|1870= 1916

|1880= 3480

|1890= 3434

|1900= 4463

|1910= 6825

|1920= 3743

|1930= 3795

|1940= 4743

|1950= 4838

|1960= 5708

|1970= 6375

|1980= 9434

|1990= 12844

|2000= 16106

|2010= 16528

|2020= 17285

|estyear=2023

|estimate=17136

|estref={{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 26, 2024}}

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 20, 2014}}{{failed verification|reason=No mention of Humboldt County at the given page|date=January 2022}}
1790-1960{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=December 20, 2014}} 1900-1990{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/nv190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 20, 2014}}
1990-2000{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 20, 2014}} 2010-2018

}}

At the 2000 census there were 16,106 people in the county, organized into 5733 households, and 4133 families. The population density was {{convert|2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people|}}. There were 6,954 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1|/mi2|/km2|adj=pre|units }}. The racial makeup of the county was 83.21% White, 4.02% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.51% Black or African American, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 8.54% from other races, and 3.09% from two or more races. 18.87%.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }} were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,733 households, 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% were non-families. 22.8% of households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.28.

The age distribution was 31.40% under the age of 18, 7.50% from 18 to 24, 31.20% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 7.50% who were 65 or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.20 males.

The median household income was $47,147 and the median family income was $52,156. Males had a median income of $44,694 versus $25,917 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,539. 9.70% of the population and 7.70% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 10.40% of those under the age of 18 and 10.80% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

File:Winnemucca state bank and trust large.jpg.]]

At the 2010 census, there were 16,528 people, 6,289 households, and 4,316 families in the county.{{cite web

|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US32013

|title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data

|access-date=January 21, 2016

|publisher=United States Census Bureau

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213030448/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US32013

|archive-date=February 13, 2020

|url-status=dead

}} The population density was {{convert|1.7|PD/sqmi}}. There were 7,123 housing units at an average density of {{convert|0.7|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}.{{cite web

|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US32013

|access-date=January 21, 2016

|title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County

|publisher=United States Census Bureau

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213234312/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US32013

|archive-date=February 13, 2020

|url-status=dead

}} The racial makeup of the county was 79.0% white, 4.2% American Indian, 0.7% Asian, 0.5% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 12.7% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 24.4% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 15.0% were English, 14.6% were Irish, 14.1% were German, and 5.1% were American.{{cite web

|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US32013

|title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

|access-date=January 21, 2016

|publisher=United States Census Bureau

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213010600/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US32013

|archive-date=February 13, 2020

|url-status=dead

}}

Of the 6,289 households, 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.4% were non-families, and 25.6% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.13. The median age was 36.2 years.

The median household income was $55,656 and the median family income was $69,032. Males had a median income of $56,843 versus $33,531 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,965. About 7.8% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.3% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.{{cite web

|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US32013

|title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

|access-date=January 21, 2016

|publisher=United States Census Bureau

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213024723/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US32013

|archive-date=February 13, 2020

|url-status=dead

}}

File:Paradise Valley wildflowers, NV.jpg

Humboldt County School District serves all of Humboldt County.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st32_nv/schooldistrict_maps/c32013_humboldt/DC20SD_C32013.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715150506/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st32_nv/schooldistrict_maps/c32013_humboldt/DC20SD_C32013.pdf |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |url-status=live|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Humboldt County, NV|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|accessdate=July 15, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st32_nv/schooldistrict_maps/c32013_humboldt/DC20SD_C32013_SD2MS.txt Text list]. Albert M. Lowry High School and McDermitt Combined School have high school programs.

The county is in the service area of Great Basin College.{{cite web|url=https://www.gbcnv.edu/IR/GBC.html|title=Data and Information|publisher=Great Basin College|access-date=March 10, 2024}}

Previously Crane Union High School, a boarding high school in Oregon, served portions of the county,{{cite news|last=Flanigan|first=James|title=At Crane, they board 'em|newspaper=The Capital Journal|place=Salem, Oregon|date=March 1, 1976|page=12}} - [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105642352/ Clipping] from Newspapers.com. There was an abbreviated version published: {{cite news|last=Flanigan|first=James|title=Crane Union High students live on campus at Burns|agency=United Press International|newspaper=The World|place=Coos Bay, Oregon|date=March 18, 1976|page=14}} - [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105642763/ Clipping] from Newspapers.com. and it continues to be an option for residents living in Denio.{{cite news|last=Roccapriore|first=Carla|title=Tiny-town students visit biggest little city|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=December 12, 2004|pages=1C, 2C}} - [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105670689/ Clipping of first] and [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105670755/ of second page] at Newspapers.com.

There was formerly a private school in the county, the Leonard Creek School, that was in operation in 1978.{{cite news|title=Humboldt school board facing growth problems|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|place=Reno, Nevada|date=1978-05-12|page=10}} - [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105645144/ Clipping] from Newspaper.com. [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105646025/ Text detail A] and [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105646058/ Text detail B]

The Humboldt County Library has its main facility in Winnemucca,{{cite web|url=https://www.humboldtcountynv.gov/351/Library|title=Library|publisher=Humboldt County|access-date=2025-03-22|quote=85 E 5th Street Winnemucca, NV 89445}} - [https://www.humboldtcountynv.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=7997 from image] and branches in Denio and McDermitt.{{cite web|url=https://www.humboldtcountynv.gov/360/Library-Branches|title=Library Branches|publisher=Humboldt County|access-date=2025-03-22}}

There have been at least two allegations of abuse of civil forfeiture by Humboldt County Sheriff's deputy Lee Dove, who as of 2015, is no longer employed as a deputy. Both cases were settled in favor of the civilians in question.{{cite news|author1=O’Harrow Jr., Robert|author2=Sallah, Michael|title=They fought the law. Who won?|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/investigative/2014/09/08/they-fought-the-law-who-won/|access-date=September 17, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=September 8, 2014}}

{{Clear}}

Humboldt County, like most of rural Nevada, is overwhelmingly Republican. This has been especially true in recent elections, with Donald Trump receiving over three-quarters of the vote in both 2020 and 2024. The Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, which lies on the county's northern border, is the only Democratic-leaning area of the county, though their population is relatively small in comparison with the city of Winnemucca and the rest of the rural county and other communities such as Paradise Valley, Orovada and Denio, which vote heavily Republican.https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/us/elections/2024-election-map-precinct-results.html?unlocked_article_code=1.xk4.VI7C.oXuhxhF7kYdB&smid=url-share

{{PresHead|place=Humboldt County, Nevada|source1={{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=April 12, 2018|url-access=subscription}}|source2=The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 533 votes, while Socialist candidate Eugene Debs received 339 votes.}}

{{PresRow|2024|Republican|6,141|1,711|178|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|2020|Republican|5,877|1,689|205|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|2016|Republican|4,521|1,386|526|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|2012|Republican|3,810|1,737|197|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|2008|Republican|3,586|1,909|169|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|2004|Republican|3,896|1,361|110|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|2000|Republican|3,638|1,128|264|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1996|Republican|2,334|1,467|789|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1992|Republican|1,505|810|1,208|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1988|Republican|2,378|1,024|174|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1984|Republican|2,498|862|90|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1980|Republican|1,950|684|209|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1976|Republican|1,380|1,074|131|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1972|Republican|1,659|713|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1968|Republican|1,287|885|353|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,106|1,421|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|1,157|1,173|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1956|Republican|1,292|840|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1952|Republican|1,398|691|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1948|Republican|901|886|44|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|835|994|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|789|1,367|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|390|1,210|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|405|1,126|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1928|Republican|783|602|0|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1924|Progressive|400|248|485|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1920|Republican|660|532|92|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|1,004|1,681|315|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|207|719|872|Nevada}}

{{PresRow|1908|Democratic|823|1,009|222|Nevada}}

{{PresFoot|1904|Republican|610|356|96|Nevada}}

{{Excerpt|Thacker Pass Lithium Mine}}

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• 20px Interstate 80
• 20px Interstate 80 Business Loop
• 20px U.S. Route 95
• 20px State Route 140
• 20px State Route 289
• 20px State Route 290
• 20px State Route 292
• 20px State Route 293
• 20px State Route 294
• 20px State Route 789
• 20px State Route 794
• 20px State Route 795
• 20px State Route 796

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• Winnemucca (county seat)

• Denio
• Fort McDermitt
• Golconda
• McDermitt
• Orovada
• Paradise Valley
• Valmy

• Rebel Creek
• Stone House
• Tule

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Humboldt County, Nevada

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://hcnv.us/}}

{{Geographic Location

|Centre = Humboldt County, Nevada

|North = Harney County, Oregon and Malheur County, Oregon

|Northeast = Owyhee County, Idaho

|East = Elko County

|Southeast = Lander County

|South = Pershing County

|Southwest =

|West = Washoe County

|Northwest =

}}

{{Humboldt County, Nevada}}

{{Nevada}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Coord|41.41|-118.12|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-NV_source:UScensus1990}}

Category:1856 establishments in Utah Territory

Category:Populated places established in 1856

Category:Micropolitan areas of Nevada

Category:Alexander von Humboldt